Priority 11 from the Contraception PSP

UNCERTAINTY: What are the most effective methods of promoting sexual health services (to everyone, including young people, those who don't speak or read English or who are vulnerable)? (JLA PSP Priority 11)

Overall ranking

11

JLA question ID

0049/11

Explanatory note

The review looked at promoting uptake and use of effective contraceptives rather than promoting services. Results showed that computer-based interventions are effective tools for learning about sexual health, and they also improve self-efficacy, intention and sexual behaviour, but more research is needed to establish whether computer-based interventions can change outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Since 2013 commissioning contraceptive services moved to local councils and - 1 in 3 councils has closed services since 2015,. GPs also provide contraceptive services but young people may be embarrassed to discuss sexual health with their GP, they may not be registered with a GP or unable to get an appointment. Young women are most likely to use community sexual health services, clinic attendances are falling (about 2% per year), this may indicate that people who need to use the service are not aware of them or how to access care. Against this background health care professionals and service users were keen to know what methods of promoting services and information about contraception are effective.